EWI of San Diego Literacy Initiative
Reading Rally events are one of the ways EWI promotes literacy. EWI of San Diego champions literacy initiatives, which supports local organizations through outreach and financial support.
2010 Literacy Initiative
EWI of San Diego is currently researching literacy projects to champion in 2010. If you know of a literacy project or a literacy-based organization that could benefit from our assistance, please contact Vice President and 2010 Literacy Project Chairperson Pat Evans at pat.evans@visitsandiego.com. Stay tuned for more details!
2008 Literacy Initiative
In 2008, EWI of San Diego partnered with United through Reading (UTR) for its annual literacy initiative, and contributed two Sony camcorders, two tripods, and over 300 new, soft-covered children’s books.
Founded in 1989, UTR is a local, nonprofit organization that “unites families facing physical separation by facilitating the bonding experience of reading aloud together.” To date, over half a million military and non-military families have participated in the program. [source: nitedthroughreading.org]Below is an excerpt from a thank you letter we received from UTR’s Program Manager Leilani Stone, which was reproduced with her permission.
“I wanted to thank EWI again for your generous donation to United Through Reading’s (UTR)Transition Program on October 21, 2008. How often does something as simple as a book provide so many wonderful opportunities to bond with a loved one? What makes these books so special is that it serves more than one purpose. Not only does it help a separated parent or family member to connect with a child at home, it encourages reading and fluency, sparks the imagination, brings back wonderful memories to share, and promotes the love of reading.
While the separation of family is tough enough, the children should not have to bear the burden of feeling guilty for the family member being absent. The recording of a book on DVD with the simple message that the child is loved and in their thoughts can heal many wounds and help develop a closer relationship. Even siblings can learn from each other and be supportive in their time of need.
Thank you for helping us make family connections through the love of reading! Please share my sincerest thank you with your San Diego chapter.”